India delayed their scheduled practice session ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final against England at the Wankhede Stadium.
The team was originally scheduled to begin training at 6 pm on Tuesday. However, instead of heading out at the allotted time, the players remained indoors and eventually commenced their session an hour later.
While adjustments to practice timings are not uncommon in international cricket, this delay had an unusual backdrop. Reports suggest that the team management opted to push back the session because a lunar eclipse was in progress from 3.20 pm to 6.47 pm.
According to widely held beliefs, beginning a new activity during an eclipse is considered inauspicious, which is understood to have influenced the decision to postpone training.
At 6.55 pm, the floodlights came on at the venue, and shortly afterwards the players made their way from the dressing room onto the field to begin preparations.
This is, however, not the sole example of such a delay happening. In 2019, Ranji Trophy matches in Mumbai and Rajkot started two hours late due to solar eclipse.
India vs England T20 World Cup 2026: Match Timings Worldwide
The semi-final between India and England is scheduled to start at the following times across different regions:
- India (IST): 7:00 p.m.
- USA & Canada (EST): 8:30 a.m.
- Australia (AEDT): 12:30 a.m. (Feb 8)
- United Kingdom (GMT): 1:30 p.m.
- Dubai (GST): 5:30 p.m.
- Cape Town (SAST): 3:30 p.m.
With a place in the final at stake, both teams will look to make the most of their preparations under the Mumbai lights.
